8 Things I wish I knew before starting a PhD

1. It’s only a PhD.

It's a project that will last 3-5 years and allow you to grow as a researcher and writer.?

You may also develop some new findings and things to write about along the way.

Keep it in focus - do not neglect your friends, family, and wider existence.?

2. Start writing immediately.

I regret not starting writing from the outset.?

On day-1 start the habit of writing about your work, process, reading, experiences. Writing is a skill that needs daily practice. Aim for 500 words per day.

Write Fast - Edit Slow

3. Methodology can be a significant finding.

Get the methodology chapter set out as soon as possible. It can often be one of the most important parts of the PhD.?

Do not dress it up in complex theory.?

Instead set out what you did and why. Explain the shortfalls and what you’d do differently.

4. Ethical approval?

Make sure you apply for this in plenty of time.?

The committee can take months before they reply, and you may need to make substantive revisions. Having a clear method will help here.?

5. Loneliness?

This is a serious concern and most PhD students experience this at some stage.?

You can combat this by developing friendships with other PhDs, joining clubs, helping at events (beware of no7 below), teaching, or setting up writing clubs and your own events.

Keep in touch with your friends and don't wait for them to contact you.

6. Mental Health and Physical health are crucial.?

If your success jeopardies your health then you need to recalibrate your measures of success, and make some changes.?

You can avoid exercise to work on the PhD, but it’s not a sustainable option.?

You can replace healthy food with take-outs, but they carry a hefty (health) price over time.?

Walking is all it takes - it will boost your health and your writing ideas.

7. Refuse exploitation

Set some boundaries with your time.?

It’s great to volunteer and help with events - but it shouldn’t be a frequent, or expected part of doing the PhD.?

Make sure you define the hours and expectations – what will you will get from the event in return?

8. Co-authorship

It is crucial to publish your work but establish the authorship and tasks first.

Who will write which bits of the text, and who will be first author? Be wary of 'co-authors' who don’t want to discuss these 'details' at the start of the project.?

This article is useful in setting out the traps:?https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/co-authorship-in-the-humanities-and-social-sciences/coauthorship-white-paper/

If you can find a good writing partner, then you can look forward to increasing production, sharing the writing burden, and delivering a better product.?

Good Luck.?

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